A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine suggests that stressful events affect the brains of boys and girls differently.

In their study, the researchers found that the insula, a part of the brain responsible for emotions and empathy, was particularly small in girls who suffered a stressful event. This can explain why girls are more likely to suffer from post-stress disorder (PTSD).

Researchers said that girls with PTSD may suffer from a faster ageing of one part of the insula.

Lead study author Dr Megan Klabunde says: “It was important to consider different and emotional reactions to stressful events. It is important that people who work with traumatised youth consider the sex differences.”